About Reiki
What is Reiki?
The word Reiki is a combination of two Japanese words
- Rei which means "Spirit or Universal Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". Reiki is
most often translated as "universal life force energy" and is pronounced "Ray Key".
Reiki is a Japanese technique based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through
us and causes us to be alive. When our "life force energy" is low we are likely
to get sick or feel stress. When it is high then it is easier to be happy and healthy.
Reiki is administered by a Reiki practitioner placing their hands on someone - either themselves
or someone else. The Reiki practitioner's hands may feel hot, or cold or sometimes they will twitch or
vibrate. This is the effect of Reiki flowing through their hands.
The person receiving Reiki will feel relaxed and sometimes sleepy as the energy reduces stress and promotes healing.
You do not have to believe in Reiki for it to work.
Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit and creates many beneficial effects including
relaxation and feelings of peace, security and well-being. It always has a beneficial effect. It will work in conjunction with
all other medical and therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery
from illness, accidents and surgery.
Reiki Sessions
A Reiki session (also known as a Reiki Treatment) usually takes about an hour. Most Reiki Practitioners
will treat you lying on a massage table. You do not remove your clothes and you can ask
to have a blanket or light covering place over you during the session. You will usually be asked to remove your shoes.
If you are unable to either get up on a table or lie on your back for at least 40 minutes you can ask that you receive Reiki
while sitting in a chair.
The first time you receive Reiki it is recommended you have three sessions within seven days. This allows the
body to work quickly through the process of clearing toxins. After that you can arrange with the Reiki
practitioner to have sessions weekly or monthly or whenever you feel a need for one.
If you have a long term problem then it is recommended you learn Reiki so you can treat yourself
daily.
To have a Reiki session contact a Reiki Master in our List of Reiki Masters
How do You Learn Reiki?
Reiki is transferred to the student during an "attunement". This is done
by a Reiki Master (teacher) during a Reiki class. It allows the student to tap into an
unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve his or her health and to enhance the quality of
life.
Reiki has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds around the world. Everyone is able to be attuned to Reiki.
It does not depend on one's intellectual capacity, learning ability or spiritual development.
Reiki Classes
Reiki is taught in a series of levels or degrees. Classes are taught by Reiki Masters (also known as
Reiki Teachers).
1st Degree Reiki
This degree is for those people who have never done a Reiki class. It introduces them to Reiki, its lineage and history.
During the class the student is attuned to the energy known as Reiki. This energy is always safe and beneficial. The attunement process
ensures that both the practitioner and receiver are always protected whenever Reiki is used. The attunement to Reiki lasts a lifetime.
2nd Degree Reiki
This level is for those people who have done a 1st Degree Class.
In this class students are taught how to send Reiki across time and space with a technique
called Absent Healing. They are also taught a technique that assists with mental/emotional well-being. Students are
attuned to symbols which enhance the use of Reiki and enable the techniques taught at this level to be easily effective.
3rd Degree Reiki
This is the teaching level of Reiki. You need to have done the two previous levels of Reiki before doing this level.
Some Reiki Masters also expect their students to have done the 3A Reiki class as well. To be taken on as a Reiki Master student
you may have to go through an interview session first before you are accepted. During the interview it is recommended that you
discuss payment terms, length of training, what the training will entail, and what levels of Reiki you will be able to teach at the end of your training. The interview will also enable you to determine whether you will like working with the Reiki Master and
how well you will get along. At no time should you feel pressured to undertake the training. You should always do it when
it feels right and comfortable for you.
Other Reiki Classes
Over the years, since Reiki was introduced to the West, other classes have been added to the Reiki levels. Some Reiki Masters
teach them, so do not. These classes are not absolutely necessary for you to use Reiki but some practitioners find them
helpful in broadening their knowledge of using Reiki.
3A Degree Reiki (also known as Advanced Reiki)
This level is a midway step between 2nd Degree and 3rd Degree Reiki. It is most often done by people wanting to complete the
three levels of Reiki but who do not, at the time, want to teach Reiki. At this level the student is attuned to the Reiki
Master symbol and is often taught how to do a temporary attunement. This lets them experience the Reiki Master energy and also
practice attunements. This level enables the practitioner to have a clearer idea about whether they want to teach Reiki or
not. Teaching is not for everyone but often there is an inner push to move to the 3rd level of Reiki. This level enables
people to do that without taking on the greater commitment of teaching.
Sekhem - Seichim -Seichem - SKHM - Tera Mai Reiki - Karuna Reiki
These are various methods that have been added to the Reiki system since 1979. They include further symbols and techniques
to assist the practitioner towards wellness and balance. Several New Zealand Reiki Masters teach classes in these methods.
Where do you find a Teacher?
Reiki Masters often advertise at your local Health Food Shop, Public Library, Chemist Shop
or New Age Book Shop. Or you can contact one of the Masters by clicking on the List of Reiki Masters below.